Congressman Dan Kildee Honors Gold Medalist Claressa Shields

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives about his constituent, gold medalist boxer Claressa Shields, who recently returned from the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Claressa made history as the only American boxer, male or female, to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in back to back Olympics. Shields was also the first American woman to win gold in boxing at the 2012 London Olympics. Congressman Kildee recognized her historical achievements as well as her dedication to her hometown of Flint. A video of Congressman Kildee’s speech can be viewed here. A transcript of his remarks are also below: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. “I rise today to recognize a remarkable young woman from Flint, my hometown. Her name is Claressa Shields. Her accomplishments as an athlete and Olympian, and continued commitment to our state and to our community really make us proud. “Introduced to boxing at a young age, Claressa has built an impressive career that boasts two consecutive gold medals from the 2012 Olympics in London and 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. That feat makes her the first American, male or female, to win back-to-back gold medals in boxing. Claressa made history at the 2012 Olympics in London when she became the first American woman ever to win gold in boxing. “Through her victories, Claressa has inspired the dreams of young people in Michigan and across the country. She is an extraordinary young woman who credits her success to hard work and to her faith. Claressa Shields represents the resilience of the American dream, and the strong, proud spirit of our mutual hometown of Flint. I applaud her for her dedication to her sport, and thank her for her dedication to our hometown. The good news is Claressa Shields is just getting started.”

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